Islamists demand death penalty for alleged blasphemous texts

World Watch Monitor is reporting that Islamists are demanding the death penalty for three Christians accused of sending "blasphemous texts".

On July 13, Christian man Sajjad Masih was convicted of blasphemy under Section 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code. In 2011, Masih was accused of sending text messages insulting Muhammad via a SIM card registered to Masih’s former fiancé. A police investigation was unable to find the phone or the SIM card.

Hard-line Islamists condemned the court’s decision and launched a sit-in on Mankanwala Crossing in Gojra with banners reading:

“Only one punishment for the blasphemer; sever his head from the body... Life imprisonment not acceptable, not acceptable and not acceptable.”

In another case, Christian couple Shafqat, 43, and Shaguftah, 40, were also accused of sending blasphemous messages.

Islamic cleric, Muhammad Hussin, says on July 18 he received text messages insulting Muhammad and the Koran. Gojra City police told World Watch Monitor that cell data for Hussein’s phone reveals the messages were sent from Shaguftah’s phone number.

Two days later the couple was arrested and Shafqat made a verbal statement saying he had sent the messages. Legal representative for the couple, Riaz Anjum, says the statement was illegaly extracted from Shafqat.

Pakistan is an Islamic republic whose system of law is increasingly following Shariah law. Under Section 295 of the penal code, blaspheming the Koran is a criminal offense while blaspheming Mohammad is an offense punishable by death. Court authorities are often intimidated by Muslim militants into handing out false guilty verdicts or continuing trials indefinitely.

Pray for Pakistani Christians

  • Pray that authorities will not cave into militant pressure to give Sajjad Masih the death penalty for his alleged crimes.
  • Pray that the judicial systems will not be intimidated into wrongfully convicting Christians of blasphemy.
  • Pray for courage and strength for Christians in Pakistan to continue witnessing despite their founded fears of imprisonment.
  • Current Ministry Projects

    VOMC partners to train Christian women in sewing skills throughout Pakistan to provide a sustainable source of income for their families and encourage them in their faith and witness for Christ.

    Project Funds: Families of Martyrs, Women’s Ministry

  • Country Information

    Population
    247,653,551 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Punjabi (44.7), Pashtun [Pathan] (15.4), Sindhi (14.1), Saraiki (8.4) Muhajirs (7.6) Balochi (3.6), Other (6.3)

    Religion (%)
    Islam (96.5), Other - Christian and Hindu (3.5)

    Leader
    President Asif Ali Zardari (2024)

    Government type
    Federal parliamentary republic

    Legal system
    Common law system with Islamic law influence

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Pakistan

    Pray that amendments will be made to Pakistan's existing blasphemy laws so that the country's citizens – including its children – will be protected from injustice and abuse. May our Lord's mercy and justice prevail, not only in the judiciary system but also in the hearts of the country's militants. Ask Him to transform their "hearts of stone" into hearts that are receptive to His love, mercy and the workings of His Holy Spirit – not only for the purpose of protecting the Christian minority but also for the salvation of their own eternal souls.

Pakistan News

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    Furniture and possessions are strewn on a street. Some of them are burning.
    The riots in 2023.
    Photo: Morning Star News

    Incensed by allegations of blasphemy against two falsely accused Christian brothers, thousands of angry people stormed a Christian colony in Jaranwala, Punjab, on August 16th, 2023. The mob destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses before the violence was eventually brought under control. (Video footage of the attack is available here.)

  • Catholic Pilgrim Killed During Van Attack
    Afzal Masih is surrounded by mourners. One woman's hands are gently touching the wraps covering him.
    Afzal Masih, surrounded by his loved ones.
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  • Delayed Investigation After Attack on Christian Woman
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    A horrific attack on a young Christian mother has once again exposed the severe forms of persecution experienced by religious minorities in Pakistan. On June 11th, Sheeza Bibi was brutally raped by three men while her three-year-old daughter, Dua, watched in terror. The incident was clearly premeditated.

  • Court Decisions Render Justice for Christians
    Adil Babar is standing outside.
    Adil Babar
    Photo: Morning Star News

    Christians in Pakistan often encounter intense opposition, particularly through the country's legal system. However, three recent court rulings have brought about a measure of relief and a renewed hope for justice.